The following is a statement by the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida
George Sheldon, Democratic Candidate for Attorney General needs to step aside. Recent questions about his residency and bar license are overwhelming. It has come to our attention that Mr. Sheldon has conflicting public written statements regarding his residency. If he doesn’t step aside this will be a recurring theme throughout the Primary and General Election (if he were to win). We need George to do the right thing and step-aside.
“Pam Bondi, is our target. If we allow the Sheldon campaign to continue it will become a distraction on winning the Attorney General’s Office, which for African Americans is critical with issues like Stand Your Ground, Voting Rights and Clemency Board within the scope of the Attorney General’s Office,” said Henry Crespo, President of the Democratic Black Caucus of Florida.
The Florida Constitution requires that the Attorney General reside in Florida in the preceding seven years. Recently Mr. Sheldon applied for (and received) an exemption to Florida Bar rules for “nonresident members not delivering legal services or advice on matters or issues governed by Florida law. He admitted “Residency” in Washington, DC, to the Florida Bar, to receive exemption when he served in the Obama administration from 2011-2013, clearing within the seven year residency window required by the Florida Constitution for Attorney General.
“Mr. Sheldon can’t have it both ways. He can’t be a “Resident” for purposes of Florida Constitutional requirement and a “Non-Resident” for the purpose of Florida Bar rules and as an Officer of the Court,” Crespo added.
In addition, there is concern that Mr. Sheldon may not have been a Member of the Florida Bar, which is required as Attorney General, when he qualified for the election, due to his non completion of the same continuing legal education requirements. In which case, surely a lawsuit will arise challenging his qualifications and residency either before the primary and definitely by the Republican Party after the primary.
“We can either deal with this now or get some popcorn and watch the show later. George has been a Good Democrat throughout his career as a State Legislator, Deputy Attorney General and DCF Secretary. We hope he does the right thing now and continue to be a good Democrat by stepping aside,” Crespo declared.
